Redknapp: I want Roman to stay

12 April 2009 07:45

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Harry Redknapp expects Roman Pavlyuchenko to be at Tottenham next season after his winner against West Ham kept them on course for Europe.
Pavlyuchenko struck midway through the second half at White Hart Lane, nine minutes after coming off the bench, to keep alive Spurs' hopes of finishing seventh in the Premier League.
It was the Russia striker's 14th of the season - a campaign in which he has struggled to adapt to the English game.But Redknapp wants to keep him at the club.
The Spurs boss, when asked if Pavlyuchenko would remain at Spurs in the summer, said: "Of course, I want to keep all my best players.
"He's done okay to be fair. He scored some decent goals at home but I feel he is capable of more because he is an excellent player.
"There is more adjusting to do but technically he is a top-class player.
"Sometimes he gets brushed off too easily and has to work harder for the team."
Pavlyuchenko's goal broke the deadlock after Spurs were denied three penalties in the first half - for a handball against James Tomkins and challenges on Robbie Keane and Vedran Corluka.
There was a case for and against each one and referee Martin Atkinson gave the benefit of the doubt to the visitors.
Jermaine Jenas was forced off at the break with a hamstring injury and Spurs had to soak up pressure before the winner came.
Heurelho Gomes saved from David di Michele just before Pavlyuchenko collected a pass from Luka Modric and steered his finish into the far post.
Europe may be on the horizon but Redknapp was just relieved to hit the 40-point mark that means safety.
"That's what we came here to do first and foremost, to stay up. That should clinch it," he said.
"That's how silly it is, it's crazy really that we could reach Europe. All through I thought it would go to the wire but it is good to sit where we are now.
"If they do make it, Redknapp will treat the revamped Europa League differently to the UEFA Cup this season, when he had to rest players for a relegation scrap and the Carling Cup.
"I made the right decision," he said. "I had no choice and it was the right decision if you look at our league results."
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is still confident his side can finish seventh.
"We are still three points clear and will defend it with everything we can," he said. "It will be a pity if they don't make it because they give everything.
"Zola was pleased with his side's application against Spurs.
"Tottenham are one of the six best teams in the country and we played without fear and stood up to them, it could easily have been a point," he said.
"The only words I can say are words of praise.
"When Di Michele went through I thought this was the moment. But he is very unlucky right now because he is playing well but is not lucky in front of goal."